Quickplay has two game modes: Co-op and Solo. Co-op allows two players to play against two other players. Solo allows players to play in matches against other players, but not with a player using the same console. When one of the player's characters reach a certain Global Smash Power, Solo mode becomes Elite Smash, but only for that character. If all the characters lost the Global Smash Power to qualify for Elite Smash, the mode returns to normal Quickplay. If the network connection is unstable, a message will pop up and not allow quickplays.

Unlike its predecessor, Solo mode does not include For Fun or For Glory. Instead, players can set a preferred ruleset before selecting a mode. This ruleset allows users to have a higher chance of fighting opponents who have a similar ruleset, although it's not guaranteed. Preferred rules include the format, time limit, stage, and which items should be turned on. When preferred rules are turned off, it allows any other players to decide how a match is played.